[Angela Leyba]

When I was a young child, I was yelled at by a teacher for spilling orange juice. To this day, we don’t have orange juice in our house because it was so traumatic.

[kristelyn trujillo]

my son was fully walking unsupported by 9m months, but developed . was beneficial but had to be cautious requiring extra safety precautions due to less developed spatial awareness

[missy]

just

[Bri Storz]

I myself always felt very welcome and safe at school. As a person who came from unstable living situations in one home, my teachers were always kind and there to talk to. It made me want to become a teacher and be that person for other kids!

[Thea Heineman]

I know of a child that was dealing with selective mutism and was not comfortable speaking in front of peers and teachers. This child chose to speak only in the privacy of her home with her parents. After some time in the classroom with a nurturing early childhood teacher, she eventually began to gain confidence and acceptance. The teacher did a phenomenal job helping her to feel safe, loved and empowered. She greeted her kindly at the door when not wanting to enter the classroom by getting down on her level and smiling at her. She spoke to her gently and calmly and eventually earned the child’s trust. The child is now thriving, and the parents are so thankful for the kindness, nurturing and care that the lead teacher gave to their timid child. Because of her positive experience with her first teacher at our school, she has gone on to develop relationships and trust with all her subsequent teachers and has successfully overcome her mutism and is social and happy.

[Trainer]

Thea, your example beautifully highlights the profound impact of a nurturing teacher on a child’s development. Well done!

[KW]

One of my students, who is only 4 years old, has parents who are divorced, which alone is huge life changing event for such a young child. His dad now lives with his parents, so the child lives with his grandparents, but his grandfather recently passed away, so that was another huge life changing event for him to experience in his short life.

[Trainer]

Thank you for sharing this poignant example, KW. It highlights the profound impact of early experiences on a child’s emotional development.

[Laura]

I remember having a teacher stand up for me in elementary school when I would always be exhausted after school and find a place to sleep. Her giving me the alone time help me decompress and feel safe in my own environment.

[Trainer]

Laura, your reflection highlights the profound impact of supportive educators on emotional well-being. It’s inspiring to see how her understanding helped you!

[Thelma]

I had a teacher in third grade who was always silly, making joking, laughing and smiling. It was always nice to come into her room knowing that she was in a good mood. Even when she was not or we needed to talk about something serious she would still do it in such a manner that was calm and we still felt safe.

[Heidi George]

Can you think of an example of a person who had a significant early childhood experience that impacted them in the future, whether good or bad?<ul style=””>This question set me thinking of my own early childhood experiences. One that stands out for the positive was a teacher I had when most likely 5 years old. I remember her being very kind and warm. I could tell she cared about me and her role as a teacher because she would take the time to really listen to me.

[Courtney]

When I was a child I had a preschool teacher that was very kind and gentle with all the children. To this day I appreciate their gentleness because after that all my other teachers were more rough and cold. Those memories remind me to lead with kindness in the classroom and in my personal life. Attitude matters more than most think, kids feel what you show and your tone. I try very hard to lead with a kind mindset,

[Heather Caniff]

I remember being yelled at a lot as a young child. It has impacted me my entire life causing anxiety and depression. Early childhood experiences shape us into who we are as adults and the effects are long lasting.

[Shaylyn Fitzgerald]

One of my favorite teachers in school always greeted all her students and made everyone feel very welcome.

[Cheyenne]

One of my friends teacher made a comment about what she was wearing which opened the door to classmates making fun of her. To this days she is very self conscious

[Haley Burghart]

Someone close to me was never met with kindness when being curious as a child and was also hardly ever asked after. Today they constantly are looking for attention but don’t know how to ask.

[Heather]

We’ve seen children in our care respond positively to teachers who greet them with joy and kindness. They are much more likely to be excited to join in when the classroom is a welcoming environment,